If you are employed at a hospital or in a medical environment, you likely already understand the amount of hazards that can be in the workplace. One of the most common causes of on-the-job injuries is slipping and falling. To avoid hurting yourself and your co-workers, there are some things you can do to help reduce the likelihood of a fall in a medical workplace:
Report All Wet Floors and Spills
In a medical setting, chances are there are going to be spills of liquid and other matter that could cause someone to fall. If you come across a spill of any kind while at work, it is crucial that you report it immediately. Not only can you and your co-workers get hurt, but patients could fall also. Once you call in the spill, stay nearby until someone can get there to clean it up. If you must leave, check the area for a wet floor sign that you can place near the spill to warn passers by about the liquid on the floor.
Wear Proper Shoes
In most medical work settings, wearing the proper, non-skid shoes is a requirement. If you work in a place that does not have this requirement, take the initiative to wear proper shoes when you are on duty. This will save you from a potential fall that could cause you major problems financially and professionally. Most of the shoes for healthcare professionals are quite comfortable, practical, and attractive.
Reach Properly
Slipping on the floor is not the only slip and fall hazard in a medical workplace. Chances are that you are required to do quite a bit of reaching while on duty, whether it is for supplies on a high shelf or reaching for a patient. Some medical facilities even have a proper reaching policy listed and described in the employee handbook. Although reaching for something seems like something that you would not need to think much about, you could fall and get seriously injured if you are not reaching properly. You will need to use a ladder for high shelves and use proper lifting and reaching when reaching and lifting patients.
It is crucial that you are aware of all fall risks at the medical workplace. Slipping and falling can cause you significant time away from work, costing you a lot of money in medical costs and lost time at work. You could also be in pain for the rest of your life. If you do fall at work, it is important that you speak to your attorney to help ensure your employer will cover your injuries and damages.
